US3673799A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Torque converter modulating piston
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1971-03-01
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Granted: 1972-07-04
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Expires: 1991-03-01
Abstract
Abstract A torque converter used in combination with a multi-speed shiftable transmission is provided with control means which automatically reduces the torque transmitted by the converter at the moment of clutch engagement. The control means includes a dump valve which is responsive to the reduction in clutch engagement pressure to automatically discharge the pressure of the converter while in combination therewith a spoiler ring responsive to the same pressure drop is operative to effect a nearly complete slipping mode in the converter.
Inventors
- 👤 Sidney J Audiffred
- 👤 Lowell E Johnson
- 👤 Shairyl I Pearce
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 17:41
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16H; F16H61/00; F16H61/38; F16H61/48; F16H61/50; F16H61/52; F16H61/54
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A torque converter and control means therefor, said torque converter comprising power input means, at least one power output means, stator means and impeller means, means defining a fluid circulating circuit and in which a driven rotor is driven by a flow of pressure fluid impelled by said driving means, in combination with control means for a shiftable transmission comprising: means responsive to said shiftable control means to interrupt said circulatory circuit and to relieve said converter of charging pressure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
80 words
A torque converter and control means therefor, said torque converter comprising power input means, at least one power output means, stator means and impeller means, means defining a fluid circulating circuit and in which a driven rotor is driven by a flow of pressure fluid impelled by said driving means, in combination with control means for a shiftable transmission comprising: means responsive to said shiftable control means to interrupt said circulatory circuit and to relieve said converter of charging pressure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention of claim 1 further comprising a charging circuit operatively connected to supply pressurized fluid to said circulatory circuit; and said means to relieve said converter of charging pressure comprises a dump valve.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said means to interrupt said circulatory circuit comprises an annular ring adapted to move into the path of said circuit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention of claim 3 comprising a piston operatively connected to said annular ring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention of claim 4 comprising means communicating pressurized fluid from a clutch actuating circuit to actuate said piston for retracting said spoiler ring.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 3 wherein said annular ring is carried by the impeller means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
101 words
In a torque converter and control means therefor, said torque converter including driving and driven rotors defining a fluid circulating circuit and in which the driven rotor is driven by a circulatory flow of pressure fluid impelled by the driving rotor, in combination with shiftable control means for a shiftable transmission comprising: means responsive to control fluid pressure drop during shifting of said transmission to extend a spoiler ring into said circulatory circuit to interrupt the circulatory flow of fluid in said circuit, and; valve means responsive to said control fluid pressure drop to rapidly relieve said converter of charging pressure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
101 words
In a torque converter and control means therefor, said torque converter including driving and driven rotors defining a fluid circulating circuit and in which the driven rotor is driven by a circulatory flow of pressure fluid impelled by the driving rotor, in combination with shiftable control means for a shiftable transmission comprising: means responsive to control fluid pressure drop during shifting of said transmission to extend a spoiler ring into said circulatory circuit to interrupt the circulatory flow of fluid in said circuit, and; valve means responsive to said control fluid pressure drop to rapidly relieve said converter of charging pressure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-04 | 1976-01-03 | 1976-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-04 | 1980-01-03 | 1980-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-04 | 1984-01-03 | 1984-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |